Control apparatus and method for variable renewable energy

ABSTRACT

Three variable gear assemblies called Transgears, an electro-mechanical rotary frequency converter, and a variable torque and power generator (VT&amp;PG) referred to herein as a variable overlap generator (VOG), may be used independently and together to provide constant frequency and voltage output power and to increase the amount of output power generated with the same input water flow, wind speed, or solar energy. Two sets of three variable spur/helical gear assemblies of sun and planetary gear sets are combined in a mechanical three variable control to form an assembly called a Hummingbird. A Hummingbird control may comprise a constant speed control motor and a constant speed generator to produce required constant frequency and voltage and be reduced in part count and complexity. In order to provide a constant control input, a constant DC voltage can be produced and a DC motor and, for example, a brush-less and commutator-less direct current generator can be used. Once a constant speed is produced, a constant frequency can be produced by a rotary frequency converter. A VOG may be used as a low torque generator and a high power-rated generator in these applications and may generate more electric power than a conventional fixed power generator (the rotor axially aligned to overlap the stator in a conventional manner) over a wider input range of renewable energy.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/267,655, filed Sep. 16, 2016, (now allowed) which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/838,867 (nowU.S. Pat. No. 9,476,401) filed on Aug. 28, 2015 and is also acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/707,138filed on Sep. 18, 2017, entitled “Commutator-less and Brush-less DirectCurrent Generator and Applications for Generating Power to an ElectricPower System” which claims the right of priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/409,549 filed Oct. 18, 2016 of the sametitle and inventor, and this application claims the benefit of priorityto U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/487,101 filed Apr.26, 2017 and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/520,884filed Jun. 16, 2017.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field of the invention relates to providing a method andapparatus for controlling the harnessing of renewable energy with amarine hydrokinetic (MHK) or wind turbine or for controlling otherapparatus including moving vehicles such as trucks and automobiles. Twothree variable Transgear™ gear assemblies are assembled in variousconfigurations as a so-called Hummingbird™ mechanical control, forexample, such that two spur/helical gear Transgear assemblies having aninput, an output, and a control including a control motor may convertvariable speed renewable input energy (wind and water) into a constantrotational speed output for generating an electrical output of constantfrequency (fifty Hertz European or sixty Hertz U.S). The control systemalso has application in infinitely variable transmissions, for directioncontrol and turning control.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hydroelectric and wind energy are two major sources of so-calledrenewable energy. In the U.S.A. in 2015 (EIA), 33.3% or one-third of allelectric energy is produced by steam generation using coal. A thirdsource of renewable energy comes from the sun (only 0.6%) and a firstsource comes from water (hydro amounts to 6.0% according to the EIA).Water flows at variable speed and so does wind. An advantage of waterflow is the mass/density, inertia or power that may be generated by theflow of water compared with the flow of wind (wind amounts to 4.7%)where wind must be collected by large wind-driven propellers or rotorblades.

Natural gas provides, in the same year, about 32.8% of U. S. electricenergy, and nuclear energy now provides about 19.6%, for example, viasteam turbine generation. Petroleum, such as oil, is used to produceonly about 1% of U. S. electric energy. Coal, natural gas, biomass(1.6%) and petroleum are carbon-based and when burned produce emissionswhich can be costly to mitigate or, if not mitigated, can be dangerousor at least increase the so-called carbon footprint in the earth'satmosphere. The supply of coal, gas and petroleum is also limited.Nuclear energy generation, unless handled with extreme care, isdangerous, and the spent nuclear fuel becomes a hazard to the world.

Consequently, the hope of electrical energy generation for the future isin so-called renewables which include, but are not limited to, the air(wind power), the sun (solar power) and water (hydroelectric and marinehydrokinetic, MHK, energy) sources. The great Coulee dam, Hoover dam andthe Tennessee Valley Authority are exemplary of projects started in theearly 20^(th) century in the United States for generating hydroelectricpower, but these require large dams to build potential energy forturning electric turbine generators. Large hydroelectric generators insuch dams on rivers in the United States are now being replaced withmore efficient and larger capacity generators. But the number andutility of dam-based hydroelectric power is limited, and the dams blockmigrating fish and commercial river traffic on navigable rivers. The dambacks up a river to form a lake which can take away valuable landresources that could be used to grow food or permit animals to feed. Onthe other hand, the created lakes provide water control and recreationaluse for boating, fishing and the like. Nevertheless, there remains aneed for a wind or water driven electricity generator that may save thecost of building a dam or a large wind mill with giant propellers,permit the marine hydrokinetic (MHK) generation of electricity and usethe high inertia flow of a river or the flow of ocean currents, tidesand waves. Similarly, wind-driven turbines should be more efficient,reliable, and designed to convert variable wind speed over a greaterspeed range to constant frequency and voltage output for delivery to anelectric power grid.

So-called biomass energy generated from plant and animal material(waste) may amount to 1.6% of total renewable energy but has similarproblems to those of non-renewable carbon-based systems and can causeemissions. While hydroelectric energy amounts to the next greatestrenewable source at about 6.0%, it is believed that more can be done toefficiently utilize the rivers, tides and ocean currents in the UnitedStates than by hindering the flow of water commerce by the constructionof dams.

Other renewable sources include geothermal, wind and solar energy. Whilethese are “clean” sources, to date, their growth has been unimpressive.Only wind energy is supported by the Department of Energy, and windenergy is forecast to grow from 4.7% in 2015 to 20% of all US energy inapproximately 20 years.

Further detail of a conventional wind turbine is described in WO1992/14298 published Aug. 20, 1992 and assigned to U. S. Windpower, Inc.A variable speed rotor may turn a gearbox to increase the rotationalvelocity output of the rotor and blade assembly. For example, aso-called cut-in speed (rotational velocity) of a rotor may be about sixrevolutions per minute (when electricity may be generated) and the rotorblade may typically cut-out at about 30 revolutions per minute (amaximum for electricity generation without damage to the turbine) bycontrolling the pitch of the rotor via a pitch control system duringconditions of high wind velocity and to reduce rotor blade noise.Typically, wind speeds over 3 meters/sec are required to cause the largerotor blades to turn at the cut-in speed (rotational velocity). Windfrequency between cut-in and cut-out speeds (velocities) has beenmeasured to vary depending on location, weather patterns and the like.Placement high on a hill or a mountain of a wind turbine, for example,may be preferable to locating the wind turbine at a low point in avalley. Consequently, it may be recognized that there are periods oftime when wind turbines do not have sufficient wind speed to operate atall depending on weather conditions, placement and the like.

When wind speed and direction vary, a pitch control system may measurethe wind speed and adjust the pitch of rotor blades to pass more windand so control the rotor blade from turning too fast as well as a yawcontrol points the rotor blade into the wind. Yaw control (for example,via a wind vane) may supplement pitch control to assist in pointing arotor into the direction of wind flow. These vanes may also be used forwater driven tidal turbines. Noise from rapid rotor velocity in windturbines can be abated, for example, by turning the blade parallel tothe wind using a wind speed control system to thus maintain therotational velocity close to a cut-out speed. An anemometer placed atthe tail of the known wind turbine may measure wind velocity and providea control input. The tail (or vane) of the turbine may be equipped witha rudder or wind vane for pitch or yaw control. Horizontal or verticalstabilizers may be provided for pitch or yaw control. The rudder or windvane may help point the variable speed rotor into the wind. In general,however, there is a problem with known wind turbine systems that only aportion of the wind energy available at a site of a wind turbine farmmay be harnessed resulting in harnessing only a portion of the kineticenergy of the available wind to feed an electric power grid. There isalso a problem with mechanical gearboxes which comprise meshed gearsthat can break during large wind gusts or at high tidal water speeds orduring large wave motion due to severe torque increases.

A mechanical meshed gear gearbox is known to have a failure rate ofapproximately 5%. Electronics used in a wind turbine has the highestpotential failure rate of 26%. Control units generally exhibit a failurerate of 11%. Sensors and yaw control exhibit approximately a 10% failurerate. The failure rate of a variable frequency converter or variablepower converter may be on the order of 26% (electronics) according to anongoing consortium's study of drive train dynamics at the University ofStrathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland. According to published information, themean time between failures of a 1.5 megawatt wind turbine, for example,may be only two years on average (but the real failure rate is anindustrial secret); and the replacement cost may be over $50,000 (forexample, $50,000 to $100,000 US) per variable frequency converter. Afailure rate of the variable speed generator of a known wind turbine ison the order of 4.5%. Consequently, problems related to known wind andwater turbines relate closely to the failure rate of gearboxes,generators, variable frequency converters or variable power convertersand associated electronics and inefficiencies of operation.

A solution to the identified problems is to provide a constantrotational velocity as an input to the constant speed electric generatorso that the generator in turn can produce a constant frequency outputand deliver a constant voltage and variable current directly to anelectric grid. Transmissions or speed converters, for example, have beendeveloped or are under development by the following entities: IQWind,Fallbrook and Voith Wind (Voith Turbo) to provide a constant output froma variable input. U.S. Pat. No. 7,081,689, (the '689 patent) assigned toVoith Turbo of Germany is exemplary of an overall system control designproviding three levels of generator control. Voith provides a so-calledpower split gear and a hydrodynamic Fottinger speed converter ortransformer adapted to be connected between a rotor and gear assemblyand a synchronous generator for outputting power to a grid, for example,at 50 Hz (European).

A recent development in the art of gearboxes is a magnetic gear whichrelies on permanent magnets and avoids meshed gears. Magnetic gears, forexample, developed by and available from Magnomatics, Sheffield, UK,have an air gap between sheath and shaft and so there is no meshing ofgears in a gearbox. Alternating north and south poled permanent magnetsmay slip with a gust of wind or burst of water energy with a magneticgear but break a meshed gear gearbox. A magnetic gear yields when alarge gust of wind or a tidal or wave burst of water energy turns agearbox input while a meshed gear may break or cause considerable wearto a meshed gear of the gearbox.

Many of the problems of wind turbines are carried forward into marinehydrokinetic (MHK) turbines such as run-of-the-river, tidal, ocean waveand hydrokinetic river turbines. There is the same problem of having toconvert a harnessed variable frequency to a constant frequency andvoltage output. On the other hand, there are many advantages forharnessing marine hydrokinetic (MHK) energy: the density (mass orinertia) of water is much greater and its speed is not as variable aswind speed especially when used in a relatively constant flowing riveror steam which flows continuously in the same direction (such as theMississippi River of the United States). Generally, for example, riversflow in one direction and the major ocean currents do the same. Wavegeneration, however, in oceans and other large bodies of water varies inmagnitude with wind and weather. Ocean shore waves are more predictableand a strong undertow can be useful for electric power generation. Tidesare reversible (high tides flowing in and low tides flowing out) andassociated known turbines may be limited to one direction of water flow(high or low tide).

A concept for improving wind turbines is use of a direct drive in whicha rotor and a shaft drive a generator. Such a direct drive may be usedto directly drive an electric generator without using a gearbox, i.e.directly driving the generator. The failure and efficiency problems ofgearboxes may be eliminated by eliminating the gearbox with directdrive. One may increase the number of poles by fifty times, for example,use power converters or frequency converters and so result in reduceddown time for gearbox repairs at the expense of increased cost due tothe bigger generators. A speed converter to convert variable speed toconstant speed is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,388,481 of Kyung Soo Han,incorporated by reference as to its entire contents. The speed converteris entirely mechanical and so scalable and improves upon the highfailure rate, reliability and efficiency of known electrical/mechanicalsystems. Speed converters under development are also frequencyconverters, are shown in this and other patent applications and patentsof Key Han and are referred to as infinitely variable speed convertersor simply speed converters.

Traction drive infinitely variable transmissions are known produced byTorotrak and Fallbrook. The Fallbrook device may be described by U.S.Pat. No. 8,133,149. A 2004 report, NREL/TP-500-36371, concluded that theFallbrook device is not scalable. Further speed converters are describedby FIGS. 10 and 11 of U.S. Pat. No. 8,641,570 of Differential DynamicsCorp. (also known as DDMotion), also incorporated by reference as to itsentire contents. The DDMotion speed converters are differentiated fromthose of Torotrak and Fallbrook by their gear drives (no toroids,pulleys or belts) and that they are scalable.

A turbine was produced by Hydrovolts, Inc. The apparatus may comprise awaterwheel and may comprise a gear and belt drive inside which may,because of the belt, be susceptible to slippage. At their web site, a 15kW waterfall turbine is described for use at a waterfall such as atspillways or outflows in industrial plants. Hydrovolts also produces a12 kW zero-head canal turbine that allegedly can capture the energy inmoving water. Reference may be made to U. S. Published PatentApplication 2010/0237626 of Hammer published Sep. 23, 2010, whichappears to comprise a waterwheel construction. Hydrovolts' rotating(hinged) blades may control some of the water flow speed, but it isurged that the exposed rotating blades may be susceptible to damage.

A river turbine is known which may be attributed to Free Flow PowerCorp. and may have been lowered to the bottom of the Mississippi Riveror attached to a piling. It is believed that such a device may be verysimilar to a turbine engine of an airplane but below water level and thewater, at velocity, drives a turbine propeller (blades). Due to loweringprices of natural gas, the project became economically unviable(according to their press release in 2012).

It is generally known in the art to utilize devices that look much likewind turbines to capture water energy. A tidal and/or river currentturbine is known from FIG. 1 of U. S. Pub. Patent App. 2009/0041584published Feb. 12, 2009. The diagram provides the labels, showingdirection of water flow “A” (from right to left). Note that the turbinerotates on a pole so that rotor blade 150 captures the water as itpasses. This device may be available from Verdant Power. It isrespectfully submitted that Verdant Power may currently be strengtheningtheir blades and adding pitch control.

A rotating ring device including a rotating ring is known which isavailable from Oceana Energy Company. FIG. 1 of U. S. Published PatentApplication 2012/0211990 of Aug. 23, 2012 of Oceana Energy allegedlycomprises hydrofoils both external and internal to the rotating ring.

Perhaps the most like a wind turbine in appearance is the known tidalenergy turbine of ScottishPower Renewables, a division of Iberdrola.According to press releases, this tidal device with its propeller (rotorblades) is capable of generating approximately 10 MW of power as an“array” perhaps of twelve or more such devices at less than 1 MW each.

Devices are also known for harnessing the power in water waves such asocean waves. Such a device is known and available from Pelamis WavePower. FIG. 1 of Pelamis's U. S. Pub. Patent Application 2013/0239566 ofSep. 19, 2013 shows a Pelamis device 10 floating in the ocean. Thedevice 10 may comprise a plurality of hinged sections 12-A, 12-B, 12-C,12-D and 12E. The device wiggles and generates power in the direction ofa wave from left to right. As the wave passes through the hingedsections, the sections 12A through 12E move up and down with the heightof the wave. The wave thus creates movement which may be used togenerate electricity. It may be said that the higher the wave, thegreater the movement; the calmer the seas, the less the movement and theless generation of electricity.

Most maps of the United States show the major rivers which include theOhio, the Mississippi, the Missouri, the Snake River and the Pecos andBrazos Rivers of Texas. As can be seen from such a map, there is a greatpotential to harness the water energy of these rivers in the UnitedStates and to power, for example, the entire area covered by theMississippi River and its tributaries including the Missouri, the Platteand the Red Rivers. Using dams across these rivers to generateelectricity would be costly and hinder river traffic and marine lives.It may be that only Free Flow Power has developed a device for use onsuch a river as the Mississippi (but Free Flow Power abandoned theMississippi project in 2012).

Similarly, a map of the world shows the major rivers of the world,further highlighting the potential to harness water energy in riversworld-wide. Also, ocean current maps are known, for example, showing theGulfstream. Proximate to the United States, the strong ocean current ofthe Gulfstream is known to flow northward along the east coast of theUnited States. On the west coast of the United States, there is known asouthward current initiating as the north Pacific drift and, as itpasses California, is referred to as the California Coastal current.Other important world currents include and are not limited to thePeru/East Australian current, the Brazilian current/Benguela current,the west wind drift, the West Australian current, the Kuroshio currentand the North Atlantic drift. These strong currents are known and havethe potential to generate a considerable amount of power but arepresently not used for electricity or power generation. (Predictableocean tides cause water to flow upstream in ocean tributaries at hightide and downstream in ocean tributaries at low tide and may be morewidely used for electric power generation.)

A typical hydroelectric power plant is mounted within a dam of a river.A first step in harnessing water energy in this means is to build thedam to create a pressure head that is proportional to the depth of thewater backed up by the dam. The backed-up water is represented by areservoir or lake. At the base of the dam, there may be intake gateswhich allow water that has been compressed by the head to flow through apenstock to a powerhouse which is one of many such powerhouses that maybe constructed along the width of a large dam. One powerhouse maycomprise a generator and a turbine which outputs electric power to longdistance power lines. Once the water passes through the turbine, it isreturned to the river downstream.

A variable torque generator (VTG) (called a VPG when varying poweroutput) has been described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,338,481; 8,485,933; and8,702,552 as well as PCT/US2010/042519 published as WO2011/011358 of KeyHan, incorporated by reference as to their entire contents. The variabletorque or variable overlap generator has one of an axially moveablerotor and/or stator with respect to its stationary or moveablecounterpart stator or rotor so as to vary the amount of overlap by thestator with respect to the rotor from a minimum when the stator isdisplaced from the rotor to a maximum value when the stator and rotorare proximate to or overlap one another. When used in a power generatorto regulate flow of power, the VTG is referred to as a variable powergenerator or VPG. When used in a torque generator and a power generatorto regulate torque and flow of power, the generator is referred to as avariable torque and power generator or VT&PG. Torque and/or power are ata maximum when there is a maximum rotor/stator overlap.

In particular, there is described in, for example, WO2011/011358 or U.S.Pat. No. 8,338,481 (the U.S. '481 patent), the concept of measuringtorque/rpm on an output shaft of a system such as a wind orriver/tidal/ocean wave/ocean current turbine (which may be referred toherein as a marine hydrokinetic (MHK) turbine) for providing a constantoutput from a variable flow input. The measured torque/rpm value may becompared with a torque/rpm value stored in a memory and, if the measuredtorque/rpm is high in comparison, then, the moveable rotor or stator ofa variable torque generator may be moved axially to a position more inkeeping with the high measured torque/rpm value, i.e. such that thestator is moved away from the rotor axially under motor control througha feedback loop. When the measured torque/rpm is low in comparison withan expected value, the moveable rotor or stator may be moved axiallytoward one another to match a low value of torque/rpm so that the speedof the output shaft may increase with increasing wind or water flow andvice versa. This variable torque generator (VTG) process continues so asto maintain a relationship between speed of input (such as wind orriver/tide/ocean wave/ocean current) to match a desired rotational speedof output shaft and to maintain output shaft speed, for example, if usedas an electric power generator, to produce 60 Hz U. S. electricfrequency or in Europe 50 Hz European frequency electric power.

In either the '481 U.S. patent or the WO 2011/011358 printed publicationdocuments directed to wind turbines, FIG. 1 is described as prior artand describes how gear boxes 108 connected to propellers can result inan expensive failure rate and replacement cost. This failure rate andreplacement cost may be overcome by the recent deployment of a so-calledmagnetic gear which has no meshing of gears and the round components areseparated by air gaps between permanent magnets so there is no meshingof gears and little to no maintenance. DDMotion has proposed a variableto constant speed generator, and FIG. 12 shows the concept of aninfinitely variable torque generator, meaning that the one of themoveable rotor or the stator may be moved, for example, by a servomotor, not shown, to any position of proximity to or distance from oneanother or such that their respective magnetic flux fields are locatedfar away from one another so as to not couple with one another or tocouple with one another, for example, to have an effect to cause acoupling of rotor and stator and a magnetic force field tending to causethe rotor to be stationary with the stator or move with the stator. InFIG. 13, the rotor and stator of the variable power generator are shownsuch that the rotor 1310 is directly coupled to the shaft 1320. “Whenthe stator parts 1330(a) and 1330(b) are moved away from rotor 1310, aminimum input torque results. The operation of a control may be asfollows via measuring a torque value stored in memory proximate to themaximum torque that a given rotor shaft 1320 may receive (a maximumallowable torque value), the stator parts 1330(a) and 1330(b) may bemoved by a motor (not shown) to be in removed torque position or aposition in between maximum and minimum torque positions whereby aclose-to-maximum torque position may be achieved in relation to themeasured torque and the maximum allowable torque(/rpm) value or valuestored in memory.”

Most of today's water/electric conversion is directed to hydroelectricdams, tidal influences and small rivers or canals. According towww.mecometer.com, the potential for development of electricity forlarge rivers is on the order of over one million megawatts in the USA.Also, the capacity for generating electricity using rivers in China is1.1 million megawatts and that of the entire world over five millionmegawatts. So larger river and wind farms are not only economicallyviable, they represent viable renewable energy sources for powering theworld without hydrocarbons, high cost and with low maintenance.

There remains a need in the art to provide applications of such avariable torque and power generator (VT&PG) assembly as well as twothree variable spur/helical gear assemblies (Transgear™ gear assembly)called a Hummingbird™ gear assembly and a constant speed motor inconnection with the generation of electrical energy/power (variabletorque and power generator, VT&PG) from renewable sources such as windand river/tide/ocean wave/ocean current, that is, a marine hydrokineticor wind turbine electric power generator among other possibleapplications for generating electric power at constant alternatingcurrent frequency and voltage for an electric power grid for a smallcommunity (for example, in developing countries) or small industrialplant (for example, 25 kw capacity) or for powering the entireMississippi river basin (several MHK turbines placed periodically alongthe length of the entire Mississippi river).

SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of control systems for renewable energy electric powergeneration at constant frequency involve the combination of first andsecond spur/helical gear assemblies called Transgears having a constantspeed control motor for converting variable rotational speed to constantelectrical frequency. In one embodiment, to reduce a requirement forgenerating power to run the constant speed generator, a conventionaldirect current generator may be used to generate power for running theconstant speed motor and other purposes. Priority U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/707,138 filed Sep. 18, 2017 suggests acommutator-less and brush-less direct current generator that is moreefficient than known DC generators. A suggested application also mayinclude application of a known variable torque and power generator(VT&PG) sometimes referred to as a Variable Overlap Generator (VOG) forconverting variable rotational speed to constant electric power gridalternating power frequency. The controlled or constant speed motoruseful, for example, in wind and river/tidal/ocean wave/ocean current(MHK) turbines along with the use of spur/helical gear assemblies of sungears, sets of planetary gears and carrier gears and brackets referredto herein as Transgear™ gear assemblies or simply Transgear may be aknown direct current or alternating current control motor. No hatchcontrol (water) or pitch (wind) control is needed. The gears of aso-called Hummingbird™ control system may be buffered to a harnessingmodule by a known magnetic gear assembly. The magnetic gear assemblypermits slippage between gears of a magnetic gearbox so that a gust ofwind or sudden increase in water flow velocity will not damage gears ofa gearbox or require the use of a clutch.

In wind and MHK turbines, a mechanical speed converter is used for thepurposes of adjusting the harnessed speed of the input which may be slowor fast depending on the rate of wind speed or river, tidal or oceanflow velocity with respect to a desired constant output speed(rotational velocity or electric power frequency) for generatingelectric power to be fed to an electric power grid. The embodiment of avariable speed converter has been constructed and samples are consideredhaving three variables and different “Hummingbird” varieties of simplerand more complex forms constructed and tested. These Hummingbird controlvarieties of variable to constant frequency and voltage control allprovide mechanical synchronization of variable input to constant outputand efficient mechanical control of speed, operating at a multiple of 50Hz (European) or 60 Hz (US) to generate constant voltage at constantalternating current frequency and the like.

As the three-variable spur/helical gear assembly called a Transgear™gear assembly has developed over time to a first Hummingbird versiondescribed in priority U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/267,655 filedSep. 16, 2016, after simplification, may comprise two spur/helical gearassemblies combined and share a common shaft coupled to a renewableenergy harnessing module with variable speed rotation. The twoassemblies may be reduced in complexity to a single mechanical assemblywith few moving parts as samples have been constructed and simplified.It is important to note that since a speed converter converts variablespeed to constant speed and converts constant speed to constantfrequency, DDMotion's speed converters may be called a mechanicalfrequency converter or a “rotary frequency converter” as is called inthe industry to differentiate from an electronically controlled variablepower converter or variable frequency converter (VFC) or variablefrequency drive (VFD) which are less efficient and may break downeasily.

In particular in wind and MHK turbines, it is suggested that there be anadjustment of the relative phase angular (radial) relationship betweenthe rotor and stator in addition to the concept of adjusting the (axial)position lengthwise of a moveable rotor or stator in a variable torqueand power generator (VT&PG) for variable torque and power or variableoverlap generator (VOG) with variable input velocity (typicallyrotational speed) and desired output electric frequency and voltage.This concept is especially useful for mechanical speed converters forsynching the phase angle of variable input with, for example, a desiredconstant output velocity (convertible to electric power frequency, forexample, at 60 Hz US and 50 Hz European) and constant voltage (butvariable current depending on the wind/water velocity).

A further practical application of VT&PG is to provide a reciprocatinginput to a fixed torque and power generator (FT&PG) sometimes referredto as a fixed overlap generator (FOG) for generating electricity with areciprocating rotor. This concept eliminates a process of convertingerratic motion of ocean wave energy, for example, to a rotary motionbefore generating electricity and may eliminate the need for Sprags fromthe speed converter(s) described in prior patent applications andpatents of the present inventor, and reduces cost, weight, size, andpotential validation time. For the purpose of increasing the harnessedspeed of reciprocating input or preventing the mechanical gearbox damagedue to the sudden surge of power of reciprocating input, using magneticgears or electromagnetic coupling instead of toothed gears may improvethe durability of a gearbox without damaging the teeth. The magneticgears of a magnetic gearbox (having no teeth) may intentionally slip(rather than break) in the event of a strong gust of wind or a strongwater flow until a predetermined level of torque between magnetic gearsis reached at which point the magnetic gears magnetically mesh with oneanother and do not slip (unless there is another strong gust of wind orstrong water flow).

A further practical application of VT&PG is to use a VT&PG as a reactivespeed controller by adjusting the torque or varying the load so that thewaterwheel speed may be increased or decreased in a river/tidal/oceanwave/ocean current, marine hydrokinetic (MHK) turbine. In thisembodiment, the VT&PG may increase or decrease torque by axially movingthe rotor and stator relative to each other in MHK or wind turbines (orany variable load) for control of a waterwheel (or propeller/blades) orHatch of such a MHK turbine. In a MHK turbine, the reactive torquecontrol may be applied to control waterwheel speed until reactivecontrol reaches a designed maximum and then Hatch control may be usedfor further waterwheel speed control with respect to desired outputelectrical power frequency and amount of current generated. A VT&PG mayaccept rotating or reciprocating input because the input change may varypositively or negatively from a reference value from an erratic energysource, for example, and may provide reactive control because thewaterwheel reacts quickly to a load (or to a brake).

A variable torque and power generator (VT&PG) useful in all embodimentsfor controlling torque/rpm/power from a maximum to a minimum is shown inperspective view in FIGS. 3A, 3B and in a practical application in FIG.5 of the priority '655 patent application, the figures showing rotor andstator coupled magnetically or electromagnetically for minimum andmaximum overlap. (There may be an infinite number of positions betweenminimum overlap and maximum overlap in a VT&PG but minimum and maximumoverlap positions are shown by way of example). The utilization of avariable torque and power generator (VT&PG) as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3Bhas been validated by the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, as auseful control device for controlling the torque, rotational speed, andpower. When the available input torque at the cut-in speed is below thespecified value to generate electricity, the VT&PG torque may bereduced, and when the provided input power is more than the specifiedrated power, the rated power of the VT&PG may be increased. In this casethe power rating of the VT&PG has to be higher than the FT&PG (Fixed T&PGenerator). Another way of using the embodiment is by adjusting thetorque, the rotational speed of the harnessing device, a waterwheel oran assembly of wind rotor blades having parameters (such as propellerpitch or using a hatch) that may be controlled. For steady flowingstreams and rivers, without much flow rate variation, a constant speedoutput can be easily produced by compensating the input. In wind andstrong tide and ocean current turbine applications, considerable morecontrol is required due to the more extreme variation, for example, inwind velocity from practically a calm wind to a high velocity storm windso as to not break the meshed gear gearbox at the input. This may berectified by using a magnetic gear comprising magnetic poles which willnot breakdown. As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and practical application FIG. 6of the priority '655 patent application, a magnetic gear of a magneticgearbox 620 (replacing mechanical gears with teeth) may provide an inputto a Hummingbird speed control converter to provide a high efficiency,high power, low maintenance electric power generating system which isalso scalable to different capacity needs. Use of a constant speed motormay be used with the Hummingbird models to achieve the improvements toconstant speed/frequency and voltage control.

In alternative embodiments shafts and rotors may be connected to a pump,transformer, engine, generator, transmission or other device or wind orriver/tidal/ocean wave/ocean current (MHK) turbine as discussed above.Note that in an alternative embodiment a rotor may be moveable withrespect to the stator if needed to achieve minimum, medium and maximumtorque and power (and any position in between). These variable torqueand power generators (VT&PGs) may be added to an input compensatingspeed converter, for example, to output electric power to a grid atconstant frequency.

In MHK turbines, for example, the VT&PG may be used to advantageregulating output shaft rotational velocity to a constant value.

FIGS. 1 through 31 of the present application are provided by way ofexample to show the application of magnetic gears of a magnetic gearbox,a VT&PG (VOG) in an MHK turbine, output speed or electric currentfrequency control from variable to be relatively constant via a constantspeed control motor and the various prototypes of a Hummingbird threevariable gear assembly embodiments (mechanical frequency converter) usedto convert variable water and wind flow rates to match constantfrequency and voltage rates for provision to an electric grid at varyingcurrent, dependent on water and wind flow speeds. The constant speedmotor may be powered by the grid or using, for example, thecommutator-less, brush-less DC generator as described above. The sameprinciples may be applied to both wind and MHK turbines to obtainconstant output rotational velocity or electric current frequency and toadjust propeller pitch in comparison to variable wind velocities.

These and other embodiments will be described with respect to thedrawings, a brief description of which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides a corresponding perspective view of an exemplary MHKturbine 100, for example, located so as to receive water flow 110 fromleft to right in this embodiment and generate electricity.

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, comprise drawings of first and second Magnetic GearAssemblies 200 of Magnomatics Limited, Sheffied, UK, wherein Assembly200 comprises a high speed magnet rotor (sun gear), a steel pole piecerotor (planetary carrier) and an outer magnetic array. Assembly 200consists of two rings of permanent magnets with a ring of steel polepieces in between. The steel pole pieces act as magnetic flux paths fromeach of the rings of magnets. Field harmonics are created by each ringof magnets such that by careful selection of pole numbers, one cancouple to the magnetic field creating a gear ratio the same as amechanical epicyclical gearbox, with the outer ring of magnets normallyheld still.

FIG. 3A shows a perspective, cutaway view of a fixed overlap generator.

FIG. 3B shows how the rotor may be moved axially so as to create greateror less torque variable with the overlap of rotor and stator from thefixed position of FIG. 3A to a position where the rotor does not overlapthe stator and little to no torque is produced by the magnetic fieldsbetween rotor and stator.

FIG. 4 shows a block schematic mechanical diagram of a harnessing module410 (where the input is variable water flow or wind energy) connected toa control and generating module for producing a constant U.S. 60 Hertzfrequency, 110 volt AC current output 460 for local power or demandpower distribution. FIG. 4 shows demand generation without a grid orlocally distributed generation of power. A shaft from the harnessingmodule drives a DC generator (preferably a brush-less commutator-less DCgenerator as taught by the priority '138 patent application. The DCgenerator 416 via regulator 418 powers DC motor 412 having a shaftcontrol of the Hummingbird control shown also receiving control inputfrom AC motor 450 receiving power tapped from output control 440.Consequently, the variable power generator 455 for generating power foroutput to control box 440. The Hummingbird control also drives thegenerator 455 at the variable speed of the harnessing module andprovides an output via shaft 430 and square thread 430A and block 430Bfor controlling the rotor/stator overlap of VPG 455.

FIG. 5 shows demand generation with using the grid for powering ACconstant speed motor 510 (receiving control input power from theelectric grid) and AC motor 450 tapping power from control box 450.Otherwise, the operation of the Hummingbird control of FIG. 5 is thesame as that of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 of the present invention shows a hummingbird control specific toa waterwheel 103 and, for example, a marine hydrokinetic turbine,developed for sample #3 of an MHK turbine 500 having a control andgenerator module or C&G module comprising a three variable Transgearcontrol 510 or a mechanical frequency converter control assembly calledHummingbird (referred to herein as a mechanical frequency converter)comprising first and second side-by-side Transgear gear assemblies 511,512 and a constant speed motor 451 for outputting constant frequencyelectric power at constant voltage to an electric grid via VT&PG 491, amagnetic gearbox 505 for replacing a mechanical gearbox; (the generator491 may be a fixed or variable torque and power generator 491). Thedetails of converting variable to constant speed will be discussed withreference to FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 provides details of how a three variable side-by-side twoTransgear control 600 (Hummingbird) can convert a variable speed inputX+Δ from a waterwheel shaft 302 to a constant frequency and voltageoutput using a constant speed control motor 451 (not shown) havingcontrol speed rotational speed −X where Δ in the equations shownsymbolizes the difference in rotational speed between the constant speedmotor 451 and the input variable speed, for example, introduced at shaft302 from a waterwheel 103 or from a propeller shaft.

FIG. 7A shows a schematic (developed by DDMotion) of a mechanicalfrequency converter for providing a three variable mechanical control,Hummingbird, using symbols for input, output and control variables asfirst shown in FIG. 2C. FIGS. 7B through 7G show one sequence of stepsof simplification of side-by-side, two Transgear gear assemblies such asseen in FIG. 7B to a thin, simple, and efficient control gear assemblyhaving a common sun gear in the middle of the shaft 741 in FIG. 7G, boththe shaft and sun gear shown in cross-hatching.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show FIG. 7G, a simplified mechanical frequencyconverter comprising a three variable control, Hummingbird, in sectionA-A view and front view respectively having a Long Gear at top whereFIG. 8B shows three sets of two planetary gears for meshing with threesun gears, left, middle, and right, with sleeves centered around acentral input shaft, middle sun gear 741 connected to input shaft 302with a larger attached or integral input sun gear 741.

FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B show a further variation of a Hummingbird threevariable control 900 along section A-A utilizing a different type ofplanetary gear (Triple Gear shown at top), three different equallyspaced, and different diameter planetary gear sets as best seen in FIG.9A where a first set of planetary gears shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B astriple gears with different diameters and a second set of planetarygears shown in FIG. 9B both being one gear thick. Note the extension ofshaft, sun gear 741 to, for example, waterwheel input shaft 302.

FIG. 10A shows a basic three variable spur gear Transgear gear assembly1000 while FIG. 10B shows an assembly of FIG. 10A emphasizing the threevariables only, two sun gears 1010, 1020 and a carrier 1030, while FIG.10C represents a symbol for a Transgear gear assembly having a control,an input and an output which may comprise the three leads 1010, 1020,1030 to the depicted symbol.

FIG. 11A (a mechanical frequency converter) is a layout of a twoTransgear assembly 1100 and FIG. 11B (1) depicts a first schematic of acontrol developed using two Transgear assemblies side-by-side where thecentral waterwheel shaft 302 comprises the INPUT 1110, the bottomcontrol shaft 1120 controlling the right sun gear of the left Transgearbeing the CONTROL and the OUTPUT 1130 being taken from the right sungear of the right Transgear assembly. This configuration is shown inschematic form in FIG. 11B(1) using the Transgear assembly symbolscorresponding in reference numerals to those used in FIG. 11A. FIG.11B(1) may be further simplified as shown in FIG. 11B(2) showing sungears 637 and control input 1120 reversed in the symbol and the input1110 connects to back-to-back sun gears 637 and 739.

FIG. 12A shows the simplification of a Hummingbird control comprise sixsteps wherein step (1) shows two Transgears with Con-gears; step (2)shows carrier brackets attached; step (3) shows pins elongated; step (4)shows left planetary gears rotated; step (5) shows middle sun gearenlarged and step (6) shows outer sun gears pushed in. FIG. 12B showssix different function assignments of input, output and controlassignments (1) through (6). FIG. 12C shows torque ratios (1) through(3) representing three different torque ratios of the simplifiedHummingbird control of FIG. 12B.

FIG. 13A shows a fixed torque and power generator (FT&PG), FIG. 13B andFIG. 13C show how the position of the rotor and stator of a variabletorque and power generator (VT&PG) may be moved axially to produceminimum torque (minimum overlap) in FIG. 13B and maximum power rating(maximum overlap) in FIG. 13C. It may be noticed that a VT&PG may belarger than an FT&PG of FIG. 13A. A small servomotor may be used to moveone (rotor or stator) with respect to the other, for example, via a wormand worm gear assembly. (See, for example, FIG. 4A).

FIG. 14A, FIG. 14B, FIG. 14C, FIG. 14D, FIG. 14E and FIGS. 14F(1) and14F(2) show various mounting arrangements of a marine hydrokinetic (MHK)turbine: horizontal mount, floating platform, bi-directional flow,vertical mount to a river piling, a second bi-directional flow mount anda mount using a tail vane to maintain water flow 1401 in a direction soas to turn a waterwheel no matter what the direction of water flow 1401.

FIG. 15A provides a cut-away view of a wind turbine showing componentparts replacing known, less reliable components wherein FIG. 15B shows amagnetic gear for replacing mechanical gears of a mechanical gearbox,FIGS. 15(C) 1 and 15(C)2 show a speed converter (either one), aGoldfinch and a simplified Hummingbird three variable controlrespectively, for replacing electronic power converters which tend tobreak down, and FIG. 15D shows a constant speed and variable torque andpower generator (VT&PG) which produces more electricity replacing a lessefficient variable speed generator. The proposed wind turbine shown inFIG. 15A in cut-away view may be reliable, scalable and efficient.

FIGS. 16A(1) and 16A(2) are views of vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT)(variable wind flow direction top and side views), 16B(1) and 16B(2)(Goldfinch and Hummingbird mechanical frequency converter control), 16C(a magnetic gear of a magnetic gearbox for slipping in the event ofstrong wind gusts), and 16D (VT&PG) show that the same system shown inFIG. 15A for a horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) may be applied to awind or MHK turbine according to the present invention of combining amagnetic gearbox, one of a Goldfinch or a Hummingbird control, and aconstant speed VT&PG (variable torque and power generator).

FIG. 17 provides a graph 1700 of how more wind energy may be harnessedutilizing a variable torque and power generator (VT&PG) according to thepresent invention such that the cut-in speed (water or wind) may belowered (increasing, for example, the wind speed range of operation) andthe rated speed and rated power may be increased to harness more powerover a greater range of wind (or water) velocity.

FIG. 18 provides a layout of a marine hydrokinetic river turbine (MHKriver turbine) according to Sample #3 of the present invention having awater power harnessing module 1810 comprising a waterwheel and hatchwhose shaft via input shaft 302 may drive, via a magnetic gearbox (notshown), a C and G module 1820, a Hummingbird or a mechanical (rotary)frequency converter 1830 for converting variable to constant speed usinga constant speed control motor 1840 as the control input and a variabletorque and power generator (VT&PG) 1850 for producing a constantfrequency and voltage electric output.

FIGS. 19-22 provide various options for powering the constant speedcontrol motor 1930 of FIG. 18 where FIG. 19 shows using grid power whenavailable and FIGS. 20-22 show options 1-3 when there is no grid poweravailable.

FIG. 19 suggests using grid power when grid power is available; FIG. 20suggests a first option where there is no grid power using generatedpower from the MHK turbine having a VT&PG powering AC motor 2050 viapower supply 2030 when grid power is not available; FIG. 21 a secondoption when grid power is not available uses VT&PG powering AC motor2050 via power supply 2030 where the Hummingbird control is a differentconfiguration; FIG. 22 shows no grid power option 3 and an alternativeuse of an alternator of DC generator 2220, charge controller 2230 and abattery 2240 for DC control motor 2250.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the figures of the present embodiments of the invention, an efforthas been made to follow a convention such that the first referencenumber such as 1XX indicates figure number where the element firstappears, for example, Hatch 102 first appearing in FIG. 1. Similarreference numerals are used in the Figures to represent similarelements.

Referring now to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 provides a corresponding perspectiveview of an exemplary MHK river turbine 100, for example, located so asto receive water flow 110 from one direction (such as left to right) andgenerate electricity via generator (not shown) attached to the outputshaft 105 of the control box 104 leading to the generator (not shown).The MHK river turbine 100 may have a sloped block 101 for channeling thewater flow 110 toward a hatch 102 which is shown in a partially closedposition with respect to a waterwheel 103. The waterwheel 103 will turnmore freely if the hatch 102 is fully open and exposes the waterwheel103 to the entire water flow. The hatch 102 may have an associated hatchcontrol as described, for example, in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4A, 4B, andpending patent applications and issued patents and generator controlwherein a waterwheel 103 is turned by water flow in proportion to watervelocity (faster water flow, faster waterwheel rotational velocity andhigher electricity output of the generator). The Hatch control may openor close the hatch 102 to an infinite number of positions over thewaterwheel 103 so that maximum or appropriate water flow will drive thewaterwheel 103, and a generator (not shown) driven by a gearbox 104(preferably using magnetic gears) showing output 105 and mechanicalspeed controls 104 (a mechanical (rotary) frequency converter havingthree variable controls referred to herein as the Goldfinch orHummingbird) and a variable torque and power generator (VT&PG) (or fixedtorque and power generator, FT&PG) produce output power at a desiredconstant frequency to a power grid regardless of input water flow ratesfrom the specified minimum to the maximum. The output shaft or any shaftcoupled to the waterwheel may comprise the VT&PG of FIG. 12 or 13B and13C (briefly described below). The rotor 1202 and stator 1203 may bevariably positioned with respect to each other to regulate the output toproduce a constant frequency such as 60 Hz (US) or 50 Hz (European) forpower generation having constant voltage but current variable withamount and speed of wind/water flow and the turning velocity of theinput waterwheel 103. Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 provides a better viewof how an MHK turbine may be placed bottom-mounted at the bottom of ariver or stream or on the ocean floor or platform to receive oceancurrent. See FIGS. 14A through 14F(2) for various mounting arrangementsof an MHK turbine for capturing single direction water flow and twodirectional tidal energy. As shown in recently allowed patentapplication U.S. Ser. No. 14/838,867, filed Aug. 28, 2015, (now U.S.Pat. No. 9,476,401) a run-of-river turbine also known as a marinehydrokinetic or MHK turbine is also described in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/255,377 of Kyung Soo Han filed Apr. 17, 2014, now U.S. Pat.No. 9,151,269, in two forms, herein called samples, which have beenbuilt and tested. The MHK turbine 100 may be allowed to rotate with abi-directional tidal flow so as to always face the direction of tidalflow; (see, for example, FIG. 14C, FIG. 14E or FIGS. 14F(1) and 14F(2)of U.S. Ser. No. 15/267,655, now allowed, and published as U. S.Published Application No. 2017/0030326, the '655 patent application).

Referring again to FIG. 1, a ramp called ramp block 101 receives waterflow 110, and the water flow may be channeled over a horizontal plane(between block 101 to hatch 102 shown in a partially closed position toallow the water flow to turn waterwheel 103. A gearbox and controls 104(which may comprise a special purpose programmed controlled processor incombination with a mechanical frequency converter or three variablespeed converter and/or a variable torque and power generator) regulatesthe variable rotational velocity of waterwheel 103 to a desired constantrotational velocity of output shaft 105 for driving an electricgenerator 105 (not shown) for feeding power to an electric power grid.As described below, this MHK turbine may be controlled in the mannerdescribed with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13A-13Cand 18 of the allowed '655 patent application and FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10 and 11 of priority patent application U.S. Ser. No. 14/838,867 filedAug. 28, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,476,401 and incorporated by referenceas to their entire contents.

Referring again to FIG. 1 of the '655 patent application, FIG. 1 mayshow channeling the water flow toward a Hatch 102 via guides (not shown)where the hatch 102 is shown in a partially closed position with respectto a waterwheel 103. The waterwheel 103 will turn more freely if thehatch 102 is fully open and exposes the waterwheel 103 to the entirewater flow and the guides help direct the water toward the waterwheeland increase the water flow speed. The Hatch 102 has an associated Hatchcontrol as described in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4A and patent applications andissued patents of Key Han and generator control wherein a waterwheel 103is turned by water flow in proportion to velocity (faster water flow,faster waterwheel rotational velocity). Thus, the waterwheel 103 isscalable and can react to varying rates of water flow when mounted, forexample, on a platform at the bottom of a river of relatively constantspeed (for example, per horizontal mount FIG. 14A of the '655 patentapplication). The Hatch control may open or close the Hatch 102 to aninfinite number of positions over the waterwheel 103 so that maximum orappropriate water flow will drive the waterwheel 103, and an electricpower generator 105 driven by a gearbox and mechanical speed controls104 produces output power at a desired constant frequency to a powergrid regardless of input river or stream water flow rates. The outputshaft or any shaft coupled to the waterwheel 103 may comprise the VT&PGof FIG. 12 or 13A, B and C (briefly described below). The rotor andstator may be fixed or variably positioned with respect to each other toregulate and to produce a constant frequency such as 60 Hz or 50 Hz forelectric power generation having constant voltage but current variablewith amount of water flow and the turning velocity of the inputwaterwheel 103. Not shown is a typical three variable to constant speedconverter for assuring that the variable input (waterwheel rotationalvelocity) is converted to a constant velocity via either hatch control,using a constant speed motor or both as will be explained herein. Thismechanical speed converter or rotary frequency converter is easilydifferentiated from an electronic device, power converter or variablefrequency converter, which converts harnessed variable power toconstant, may have a limited power range and a high failure rate.

FIGS. 2A-D of the '655 patent application provide details of the severalcomponents of a Marine Hydrokinetic (MHK) turbine 100 shown in greaterdetail according to the present invention with the exception of the useof a variable torque and power generator (VT&PG) which may also be usedto generate more electricity and regulate speed to a constant speed froma variable speed by regulating torque. FIG. 2A shows a perspective viewof an embodiment of an MHK turbine 100 similar to the embodiment of FIG.1 mounted, for example, to a river bed platform 207 having sloping block101 for receiving water flow 110 from the left, a flat or horizontalplanar top 202 and a Hatch 102 (which may be opened, partially closed orfully closed) for covering the waterwheel 103 depending on the speed andamount of water flow 110. Water flow guides (channels or protectors) arenot shown which may be configured to cause water flow to be harnessedfrom the sides and channeled at higher speed to the waterwheel(discussed and shown in priority patent applications).

In FIGS. 3A, 3B and FIG. 4A, 4B, of the '655 patent application, twoembodiments are shown which utilize hatch control, where FIG. 3B may bea portion of FIG. 3A and FIG. 4B may be a portion of FIG. 4A. All ofFIGS. 3A, 3B and FIG. 4A, 4B have been described in priority patentapplications. A partially closed hatch 102 (FIG. 1) position permits themost water to be received by waterwheel 103. In constant flowing riversand streams, for example, hatch 102 may remain most of the time in anopen position and be constantly turning to produce a constant speed(except when there is a storm or other exceptional condition) when thewater changes flow rate. The hatch 102 will close more according toFIGS. 3A, 3B and 4A or 4B as water flow rate increases. The water flowwill be drawn up over the open or partially closed hatch 102 and stillturn the waterwheel 103, for example, at constant velocity in a fastcurrent or flooded condition. In a severe storm condition, a maximumclosure position may be used to fully protect the waterwheel 103 andmechanical gearbox 104 (preferably a magnetic gearbox) from damage byfloating debris or high velocity water current which may damage thewaterwheel 103. The use of magnetic gears in a gearbox can alleviatethis issue. This maximum specified closed Hatch position may stillpermit the waterwheel 103 to turn and operate to produce electric power,but it is desirable to lock the waterwheel 103 (close the hatch) duringinstallation or maintenance using a fully closed position. Concerningmarine life protection, closed blade waterwheels may be used. Note that,with closed blade waterwheels, fish swim over the waterwheel, notthrough, and there are slim chances that the fish may be caught in thewaterwheel 103.

The gears in the gearbox 104 may be damaged by sudden power change duein heavy rains carried by water flow 110 and by wind storms. Shown inFIG. 2B is a typical magnetic gear of Magnomatics Limited, Sheffield,England, which may comprise a shaft or pin at its center and innermagnetic gear 220 turns outer magnetic gear 230 having air gaps andalternating N/S permanent magnets used as an alternative to prior artmeshing of mechanical gears such that the magnetic gears of gearbox 104can slip as they turn when the waterwheel 103 is hit by debris or highwater flow rates and the magnetic gears are held in each position ofslippage by permanent N/S permanent magnets between the slipping gearsso that a gearbox 104 of such gears receiving the full thrust of astopping input shaft will not have their meshed gears break requiringthe gearbox 104 to be replaced. A predetermined level of torque betweenmagnetic gears may be reached and the gears start to slip with respectto one another. This slippage, of course, is preferable to breakage ofthe meshing of mechanical gears. The magnetic gears will again catch oneanother and stop slipping as the gears N/S magnets grasp one anotheragain.

FIG. 2C of the '655 application shows a schematic of a mechanical(rotary) frequency converter comprising a three-variable gear assemblyconverting variable to constant speed/frequency output comprising aninput, an output and a control of the variable input to be a constantspeed output. This symbol is first introduced in this patent applicationby inventor Kyung Soo Han to represent three variable gear assemblieswhich Mr. Han has named a Goldfinch control assembly and a Hummingbirdcontrol assembly in various embodiments as will be explained furtherherein are introduced and simplified herein as well.

FIG. 2D of the '655 application shows a perspective view of a VariableTorque and Power Generator (VT&PG) when used in an electric powergenerator to control torque and power to provide a constant speed whenan input is of variable speed. The rotor and the stator are movableaxially in relation to one another such that when there is maximumoverlap, there is maximum torque between rotor and stator. Minimumtorque is applied between rotor and stator when there is minimum overlapbetween rotor and stator. Such a minimum overlap might be used in a slowor low wind situation to lower the cut-in speed and generating moreelectricity. A maximum overlap might be used in an extremely high windor fast river flow situation to increase the rated speed or rated powerand generating more electricity. In summary, operation over a greaterrange of wind and water speed will be demonstrated using the presentinvention to generate more electricity and to lower the level of energycost or provide a level cost of energy (LCOE).

FIG. 3A of the '655 patent application provides a cross-sectional viewof five basic spur/helical gear three variable Transgear™ gearassemblies 300 showing the various controls developed for an MHK turbineshowing, in combination, hatch control, coarse or rough tuning control,and fine tuning control primarily as hatch control. A VT&PG may also beused to regulate variable to constant speed (not shown) in series withthe control (not shown). The constant speed MHK turbine comprises hatchcontrol gear assemblies 308 and 310 for controlling hatch 303 ofwaterwheel 301 via shaft 302. There is coarse control 308, 310 includinga first worm and worm gear assembly (not labeled) and a fine tuningcontrol assembly 311, 312 shown connected to an electric power generator319 for delivering power to an electric grid via connecting gearsassembly 315, 316 and 317 for driving the generator 319. A simplerdesign of hatch control using a pair of spur gear assemblies and asingle worm and worm gear assembly is shown as FIG. 5 of U. S. PublishedPatent Application 2016/0010620, allowed, (FIG. 3B of the presentapplication) wherein the worm gear and worm gear assembly are describedin greater detail for regulating torque between rotor and stator. Theseembodiments rely on three VARIABLE rough and coarse tuning of a hatchcontrol for controlling generator speed with a VT&PG. FIG. 3B, a portionof FIG. 3A, coarse tuning or hatch control, provides a cross-sectionalview of hatch control which has been built and tested for sample #1.

Referring to FIG. 5 of the US 2016/0010620 published patent application,the '867 priority application, (FIG. 3B of the present patentapplication) shows a top view of a simpler MHK turbine. FIG. 5 (shown asFIG. 3B of the '867 priority application) with slightly differentreference numerals herein) provides a mechanical diagram of a Hatchcontrol of Hatch 102 over waterwheel 103 with just two sets of Transgeargear assemblies and one worm/worm gear assembly 314, 316. Waterwheelshaft 302 is extended and two gears 304 and 305 are attached to orintegral with the shaft 302 and mesh with each respective gear assembly.Control of the first Transgear gear assembly is carrier 308 and controlof the second Transgear gear assembly is sun gear 310. The output of thetwo Transgear assemblies is carrier 309. The output controls the hatch102 through gear 313 attached to shaft 311; worm 314 is also attached toshaft 311, meshes worm gear 316, and bevel and spur gear 317, and spurgears 318 and 319 in turn.

An embodiment (FIG. 4A of priority application U.S. Ser. No. 15/267,655)of a hatch and motor control including a variable power generator and aconstant speed motor is shown as FIG. 11 of U.S. Pat. No. 9,476,401,(with different reference numerals) wherein the hatch opening andclosing is controlled at pin #3 of the control board, the grid power isoutput at pin #4, control of a rotor with respect to a stator of a VT&PGis controlled by pin #2 and #5 and the gearbox 404 may comprise magneticgears according to the present invention; (the magnetic gear feature wasnot disclosed in US 2016/001620). The constant speed motor is 491driving shaft 411 for output to sleeve 420 including attached orintegral sun gear 430. Sun gear 430 is coupled to the spur/helical gearassembly 403 (unnumbered in FIG. 11 of the allowed patent application).The other sun gear 410A, integral or attached to shaft 410, meshes withgear 408 via an intermediary gear and carrier 407. A worm and worm gearassembly 406, 470 via carrier bracket gear 407 connects to pin #1 forhatch and VT&PG control.

FIG. 4A of the present patent application (and FIG. 11 of the '867patent application of Kyung Soo Han) show a Transgear-controlledVariable Torque and Power Generator and Hatch 400. FIG. 4A may comprisea diagram of a Transgear-controlled variable torque and power generator(VT&PG) 415 with the rotor 452 of the VT&PG integral to or attached tooutput shaft 401 shown displaced from the stator 453 by way of example.The input shaft 302 integral with or connected to the waterwheel 103 mayhave variable speed and the VT&PG output shaft 401 for driving thevariable torque and power generator 415 may be governed to provideconstant output electric power frequency at port #4 of control box 435by sensing the grid power output at stator output 455 for voltage andfrequency. The three variable Transgear assembly 403 (or more variableTransgear assemblies) further controls the output electric power toconstant frequency via the VT&PG 415 regulated by constant speed motor491, Transgear assembly 403, worm 406 and worm gear 470.

FIG. 4A further shows an example of a speed converter that may bespur/helical gear Transgear assembly 403 controlled (where the number ofvariables is three or more) having VT&PG 415 for regulating output to arequired output angular velocity (rpm) for generating power. Input towaterwheel shaft 302 will be split into two circuits after, for example,increasing the input speed by a gearbox 404 (which may comprise magneticgears which may slip but not break in events such as high wind or strongwater flow) to achieve a higher rotational velocity of shaft 410: into apower circuit driving a VT&PG shaft 401 and having a control circuit 435receiving input to VT&PG 415 via left sun gear 410A of Transgearassembly 403. Right sun gear 430 of Transgear assembly 403 will berotated by a shaft 411 of constant speed control motor 491 turningsecond sleeve sun gear 430 via sleeve gear 420. When the rpm of left sungear 410A is not the same as the rpm of right sun gear 430, Transgearassembly output, carrier gear 407, will adjust the stator 453 of theVT&PG 415 after processing through a worm 406 and worm gear 470.

Starting from upper left, waterwheel shaft 302 is connected to thegearbox 404 (preferably magnetic gears). The gearbox output turns leftsun gear 410A and gear 419 through gear 417. Gear 419 is attached toVT&PG input shaft 401 for generating power. Also, sheath/sleeve 418turns right sun gear 430 integral with or attached to sheath 418. Gear420 is meshed with a gear integral with or attached to constant speedmotor shaft 411 of control motor 491. If the input rpm 410 or 410A toTransgear 403 is the same as the control rpm of gear 430, there will beno adjustment/output. If the input rpm 410 or 410A is faster or slowerthan the control rpm of gear 430, stator 453 will be adjusted (viacarrier 407, worm 406 and worm gear 470) and the constant frequencyoutput current 455 by VT&PG 415 to an electric power grid 440 will beproduced.

FIG. 4A of the present application (FIG. 11 of the '867 patentapplication) also shows a control schematic of a DDMotionRiver/tidal/ocean wave/ocean current Turbine (also known as a MarineHydrokinetic (MHK) turbine). A run-of-river turbine also known as an MHKturbine is also described in priority U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/255,377 of Kyung Soo Han filed Apr. 17, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No.9,151,269. Both a Transgear gear assembly and a variable power generatorare shown.

Moving on to FIG. 4B of the present application, a complete MHK turbine450 with a magnetic gearbox (not shown), generator 491 controlled by aTransgear assembly 440 is shown using a constant speed motor 451 tocontrol electricity generation. The Transgear assembly 440 output 445through carrier bracket 442 controls the hatch 102. The controlledwaterwheel shaft output gear 441 is connected to generator input gear421.

FIG. 4B, furthermore, of the present invention is a diagram of thecontrols developed for a sample #2 of an MHK turbine developed toutilize both hatch control and constant speed motor 451 control of avariable speed MHK waterwheel 103 and to produce a constant RPMgenerator 491 (VT&PG) via the constant speed motor 451 control of athree variable spur/helical gear assembly 440. A magnetic gear gearbox404 is shown between the waterwheel 103 and the output gear 441 and,sample #2 may use a fixed torque and power generator in place of a VT&PG491. The constant speed motor 451 has a shaft for turning a right sungear and sleeve 446 which engages spur/helical gears 443A and 443Bmounted on pins 444A and 444B having planetary gears integral with thepins for controlling a constant speed sun gear 441 of the input shaft302. The input is shaft 302 via gearbox 404; the output is both at 445for hatch control and at gearbox output gear 441 for driving gear 421 ofthe electric generator 491 for delivering electric power to the electricgrid via shaft 411.

Sample #3 and an introduction to a Hummingbird control will be discussedwith reference to FIG. 5. As a preliminary discussion, a point to bemade in FIG. 5 is that the mechanical frequency converter control systemof a Hummingbird with a constant speed motor 451 control input canproduce a constant speed output while the waterwheel shaft 302 speed ofwaterwheel 103 is variable. A magnetic gearbox 505 is located betweenthe waterwheel shaft and the entry to a Hummingbird. In fact, a magneticgearbox is preferred to a mechanical gearbox because magnetic gears mayslip in the event of gusts of high wind or bursts of water flow untilthe magnetic gears 505 grip again once a predetermined level of torquebetween them is reached. It can be seen that the embodiment of an MHKturbine of FIG. 5 shows no control of hatch 102 of waterwheel 103 or theadjustment of VT&PG (generator) 491. Actually the hatch 102 may becontrolled to minimize the speed variation and also it will be closedautomatically during the emergencies or closed manually duringinstallation or for repairs. The VT&PG 491 rotor/stator overlap will beadjusted to control the waterwheel rpm as a feedback control and togenerate more electricity. The waterwheel 103 mounted on shaft 302without the extended shaft portion 302 into magnetic gearbox 505 andthen to control 510 (comprising Hummingbird control dual Transgearassemblies 511, 512) may have its own housing separate from a housingcontaining control 510 and an electricity generator 491 (VT&PG)(sometimes referred to herein as a C&G module; (see FIG. 18). So theleft hand side of FIG. 5 may be called the “harnessing module” and theright hand side of FIG. 5 may be called the “C&G module” (for controland generation). The “harnessing module” may harness water flow (shown)or wind, via a vertical or horizontal axis wind turbine (VAWT or HAWT).A vertical axis wind turbine or a horizontal axis wind turbine mayutilize the principles of the present invention for variable to constantspeed control. A vertical axis wind turbine has been argued to bepreferable to a horizontal axis wind turbine due to installing the heavycomponents on the ground level and easier to maintenance the componentsthat may be located at ground level rather than vertically up in the airabove the earth near the large propeller.

The harnessing module of FIG. 5 (left hand side) has already beendiscussed and comprises a hatch 102 receiving a water flow 110 from thetop of the drawing, the hatch 102 for typically regulating the flow ofwater to waterwheel 103. In Sample #3, however, the hatch 102 may beautomatically controlled during emergencies but may be closed manuallyduring installation or repairs. The hatch 102 may not be a directcontributor to variable water or wind control to constant output speedcontrol but will be controlled to minimize the range of speed variation.To the contrary, a so-called Hummingbird control, in this embodiment,comprising two Transgear spur gear assemblies side by side 510 having acontrol variable provided by the constant speed motor 451, a variableinput 302 provided by the wind or water flow power harnessing module.The control assembly 510 is protected from heavy winds and unusuallyrapid water flow by magnetic gearbox 505. Moreover, a variable torqueand power generator (VT&PG) and magnetic gear gearbox 505 may be used asa part of the C&G module in addition to conventional propeller pitchcontrol or the use of a hatch to regulate waterwheel reaction to rapidwater flow. In FIG. 5, waterwheel 103 provides an input variable atshaft 302 to magnetic gearbox 505 and then to a Hummingbird controller511, 512 (mechanical (rotary) frequency converter). Shaft 420 turnselectric power generator VT&PG 491 while the control is provided by theconstant speed motor 451 and, optionally, a VT&PG (of generator 491). Adiscussion of FIG. 5 will now be continued with a discussion of FIG. 6which explains the control provided by the constant speed motor 451 andthe dual gear assembly 3V (three variable) Hummingbird controlembodiment 510, which may involve the VT&PG.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a Hummingbird two-Transgearassembly control 600 (mechanical frequency converter) having threevariables representing control 510 of FIG. 5 provided by a constantspeed motor 451. First, we introduce the three variables of control 510of FIG. 5 or the embodiment of FIG. 6. A control input −X may be aconstant rotational velocity −X which, for example, may be a multiple inRPM of the standard European electrical frequency of 50 Hz (cycles persecond) or the US electrical frequency of 60 Hz and output as RPMrotational speed by a constant speed motor 451 (which may have a gearboxfor increasing/decreasing the constant speed). For example, −X may be avalue from 600 RPM to 3000 RPM CCW. Now, a variable portion of the speedinput is received from a waterwheel or a VAWT or HAWT which mayrepresent a + or −Δ (variable change) in rotational speed in RPM whencompared with the value of X output by the constant speed motor controlvariable X. So variable input X+Δ or X−Δ is received at shaft 302.Assuming that the Input to left sun gear 637 of left Transgear=X+Δ(representing a positive change in speed) then, carrier #1630=(X+Δ)−X=+Δ(provided by the constant speed motor 451 and the netresult is +Δ). On the other hand, by the Transgear rule, Carrier #2631=−Δ. Meanwhile, second sun gear (left sun gear of right Transgear)638 is also an input X+Δ and meshes with planetary gears 643 a and 643 bon pins 644 a and 644 b. Thus, the output to electric power generator(right sun gear of right Transgear) 411=(X+Δ)−Δ=X, the desired constantspeed output fed to electric power generator 420 which value is the sameX as the constant speed motor 451 rotational speed.

The mechanics are that when the input is to the first sun gear (left sungear of left Transgear) 637 and the control input is to the right sungear of left Transgear 451, and when the two input speeds are not same,turns carrier #1 630 which carries planetary gears 641 a and 641 b whichturn on pins 642 a and 642 b. Connecting gear 635 connects two carriers630 and 631. The difference +Δ produced by carrier #1 630 from the firstgear assembly (left Transgear) is carried to carrier #2 631 wheremathematically Carrier #2=−Δ according to the Transgear rule. Meanwhile,left sun gear 638 of right Transgear is also an input X+Δ and thecarrier #2 631 becomes the control input −Δ. The output of the rightTransgear or right sun gear of right Transgear 411 or to the electricpower generator 420 is (X+Δ)−Δ=X. This two-Transgear Hummingbird havingmany components may be simplified as will be discussed with reference toFIG. 7A-7G.

FIG. 7A provides a symbol for the two side-by-side Transgear assembliesof FIGS. 5 and 6 with the control input from a constant speed motorentering from the left, the input from a variable speed VAWT, HAWT orMHK turbine shaft varied typically by a magnetic gear (gearbox) enteringfrom the top, and the output to an electricity generator outputting fromthe right. FIG. 7B is identical to control 510 of FIG. 5 and Hummingbirdcontrol 600 of FIG. 6. FIG. 7B may be modified to its mechanicalequivalent FIG. 7C by swapping positions of input gear (left sun gear ofleft Transgear) 637 and control gear (right sun gear of left Transgear)638. Now re-numbered the input gear from before 637 to now 737 and thecontrol gear from before 638 to now 738. FIG. 7C may be furthersimplified to its mechanical equivalent FIG. 7D by using longer pins toattach two Transgear carrier gears (connecting gear 635 is no morenecessary and four carrier gears become circles or brackets or withoutgear teeth). FIG. 7D may be further simplified to its mechanicalequivalent by reducing the redundancy, for example, the two input sungears 737 and 739 into one central sun gear 741 and two sets ofplanetary gears into one set (at top and bottom). The two sun gears 737and 739, one on the left and one on the right, in FIG. 7D may be reducedto one central sun gear 741 as shown in FIG. 7E to FIG. 7F. When thediameters of two sun gears 738 and 740 are reduced to 738A and 740A sothat they do not accidentally mesh with planetary gear 750, as shown inFIG. 7F, the assembly may have a narrower profile now by pushing the twosmaller sun gears 738A and 740A toward the center sun gear 741 of theshaft as shown in FIG. 7G. All FIGS. 7B-7G are Hummingbird in differentshapes and may be presented by a schematic shown in FIG. 7A. Othersimplifications than those shown may be made by one of ordinary skill inthe art to the embodiments of FIGS. 7B-7G without varying from the scopeof the invention.

FIG. 7G is derived from FIG. 7F by simply removing excess space frombetween the gears, shafts, carriers and pins of FIG. 7F. FIG. 7G issimply a more condensed combination of simpler designs than those ofFIGS. 7B-7F.

FIG. 8A provides a section view of a simplified Hummingbird threevariable control 800 as seen in front view in FIG. 8B. FIG. 8B in turnis taken from a simplified, condensed three variable Hummingbird controltaken from FIG. 7G. Note the Long Gear at the top center. FIGS. 9A and9B show a Triple Gear at the top center. FIGS. 8B and 9B show three setsof two planetary gears equally spaced around central sun gear andintegral or attached carrier with the bottom planetary gear sets meshedwith the sleeve and the top planetary gear set meshed with the centralsun gear respectively. It is optional to have more or fewer number ofplanetary gear sets as needed. A cautionary detail about the number ofplanetary gears meshing with a sun gear may be useful for the number ofteeth on each gear of a set of gears. If the number of planetary gearsmeshing with a sun gear is more than one, for example, three planetarygears, the number of sun gear teeth should be a multiple of the numberof planetary gears. For example, if there are three planetary gearsmeshing with a sun gear, the gear teeth should be the multiple of three(3). Four gears should have a multiple of four (4) teeth.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show a Triple Gear variation 900 of Hummingbird shown inFIG. 7G or 8A and 8B. A major difference is the planetary gears shown inFIG. 9A are triple gears with one large gear in the middle and twosmaller diameter gears on the left and right sides. FIG. 9A isfunctionally equivalent to other Hummingbird embodiments but has threesets of triple gear planetary gears. The central shaft 302 comprises theinput and has a sun gear 741 meshing with the planetary gear set at top.FIG. 9B shows the three sets of equally spaced planetary gears ofdifferent diameters including one triple gear in each planetary gear setof two gears each. It is optional to have more or a fewer number ofplanetary gear sets as needed. A cautionary detail about the number ofplanetary gears is the number of teeth on each gear. Again, as suggestedabove, if the number of planetary gears meshing with a sun gear is morethan one, the number of gear teeth should be a multiple of the number ofplanetary gears. For example, if there are three planetary gears meshingwith a sun gear, the gear teeth should be a multiple of three (3).Another cautionary detail about the multiple sets of double, triple ormultiple gears meshing with a single sun gear is that they may have tohave teeth alignment. For example, it is more obvious when one of thesmaller (planetary) gears is meshing with a common sun gear. If they arenot aligned, they may not mesh properly. A solution may be to use thesame number of teeth for both large and small gears but with differentpitches of teeth.

FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C show the steps of developing a simple symbolshown in FIG. 10C for the various three variable spur/helical Transgeargear assemblies shown in this and priority patent applications andpatents. Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the figures provide a morecomplex and a simple view of a basic spur gear three variable Transgear™gear assembly having a sheath/sleeve integral with or attached to a leftsun gear (which may be a first assigned variable, input, output orcontrol). In this embodiment the gear assembly may be three gears wide.On the other hand, if carrier gears are carrier gears, the assembly maybe five gears wide (not shown). A first assignable variable may be thefirst sun gear. A second assignable variable may be the carrier. A thirdassignable variable may be the second sun gear. There are also shown aset (pairs) of two planetary gears. FIG. 10A shows a layout of a basicthree variable spur gear assembly showing variables 1010, 1020 and 1030and FIG. 10B shows a basic spur gear assembly showing the same threevariables without planetary gears, two sun gears 1010 and 1020 (one on asleeve, the other attached or integral with the carrier) and a carrier1030 (for the planetary gears). The simple symbol of FIG. 10C shows aninput, an output and a control variable of a simple three variablespur/helical gear assembly, the symbol representing two sun gears 1010,1020 in triangles and a carrier 1030 represented as a zig-zag line inthe middle totaling the three variables.

FIG. 11A is a Hummingbird 1100 mechanical frequency converter similarlyas shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. 7B. A Hummingbird may be represented by usingthe Transgear assembly symbols and is shown in FIGS. 11B(1) and 11B(2).As can be seen in FIG. 11A, a variable input 1110 is provided to two sungears 637 and 739, a control input 1120 is provided to right sun gear ofthe left Transgear assembly, and an output 1130 is seen in FIG. 11A.FIG. 11A may be symbolically presented as shown in FIGS. 11B(1) and11B(2). The symbol of FIG. 11B(1) greatly simplifies the two Transgearassembly of FIG. 11A. FIG. 11B(1) is drawn to physically match thelayout of FIG. 11A, but the schematic may be simplified. In FIG. 11B(2)note that the symbol is further simplified such that the two input sungears 637 and 739 are shown back to back with input 1110 connectedbetween them. In this case the schematic presents the circuit, but thephysical layout of gears is not indicated.

FIG. 12A shows the simplification of a Hummingbird control comprise sixsteps wherein step (1) shows two Transgears with Con-gears; step (2)shows carrier brackets attached; step (3) shows pins elongated; step (4)shows left planetary gears rotated; step (5) shows middle sun gearenlarged and step (6) shows outer sun gears pushed in. FIG. 12B showssix different function assignments of input, output and controlassignments (1) through (6). FIG. 12C shows torque ratios (1) through(3) representing three different torque ratios of the simplifiedHummingbird control of FIG. 12B.

FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C provide an overview mechanical diagram of aVariable Torque and Power Generator (VT&PG) 1350 where FIG. 13Arepresents a fixed overlap embodiment 1300 with no adjustability betweenshaft 1301, rotor 1302 and stator 1303. This FIG. 13A will be called aFixed Torque and Power Generator (FT&PG) or Fixed Overlap Generator(FOG). FIGS. 13B and 13C represent VT&PG embodiments 1350 where rotor1352 and stator 1353 may be displaced from one another or entirelyoverlap one another for maximum torque and power. When generating powerfor a grid which may be continuously adjusted from minimum to maximumtorque (through an infinite number of positions), FIG. 13B shows minimumoverlap 1360 between a shaft 1351/rotor 1352 and a stator 1353 and FIG.13C shows maximum overlap 1361 (maximum torque/power) between a rotor1352 and a stator 1353. To minimize the cut-in speed (torque for FIG.13B is lower than that of torque for FIG. 13A) and to maximize theenergy harnessing, the rated power of FIG. 13C is higher than that ofthe rated power of FIG. 13A or 13B), the generator rotor and statoroverlap is continuously controlled, for example, by sensing input shaftrotational velocity, torque on the shaft 1351 and, via feedback, movingthe stator 1353 with respect to the rotor 1352, for example, via a motor(not shown) to appropriately match variable input and desired constantoutput electric power frequency at output 1353 to an electric grid(FIGS. 13B and 13C). The physical size of VT&PG FIGS. 13B and 13C may bebigger than FT&PG embodiments shown in FIG. 13A.

FIGS. 14A-14F(1) and 14(F)2 show several mounting options for an MHKturbine of the present invention. FIG. 14A shows a side view of a firstarrangement for mounting an MHK turbine for receiving water flow 1401from the left as a bottom mount (for example, on a river bottomplatform), and FIG. 14B shows a side view of a second arrangement fortop mount (for example, from a floating platform, a boat or the bottomof a dock). Water flow 1401 is assumed to be flowing in one directionfrom left to right, but the drawings may be reversed and water flow befrom right to left.

FIG. 14C shows a side view of an arrangement of first and second MHKturbines for receiving water flow 1401 from the left (shown) and withthe hatch closed of the right MHK turbine. When, for example, the tideflows from right to left, the right hatch is opened and the left hatchis closed so the arrangement of FIG. 14C is bi-directional. A furtherbi-directional arrangement of MHK turbine is shown in FIG. 14E (sidemount) where when water flows from left to right, the top (or left)hatch is open and the bottom (or right) hatch closed. The bi-directionalflow MHK turbine may be mounted to a piling top as a right side mountand a left side mount; (these turbines may be mounted to the left andright sides of a bridge piling, a dock piling, an underwater wallconfining, for example, a canal or stream). A vertical mount formounting vertically to a river bridge piling or the side vertical polesof a dock is seen in FIG. 14D. The arrangements of FIGS. 14F(1) and14F(2) are capable of swinging with the water flow 1401 as the waterturns the MHK toward the water flow via the water vane for sensingdirection of water flow 1401. The MHK turbine may be mountedhorizontally or vertically, for example, a piling top as a right sidemount or a left side mount; (these turbines may be mounted to the leftand right sides of a bridge piling, a dock piling, an underwater wallconfining, for example, a canal or stream or to a pole planted in ariver/tidal estuary bottom).

FIG. 14E may show a top view of an arrangement of two MHK turbinesmounted together, for example, on a pole or surrounding a bridge pilingor dock piling whereby if the water flow is from left to right, then,the top (or left) turbine generates power and if the water flow is fromright to left, then, the bottom (or right) turbine generates power. Alip at the tip of hatch (not shown), for example, may control the twoHatches of the two MHK turbines so that they are open or closed in synchwith a tidal direction change. FIG. 14C shows a similar side view of aside-by-side arrangement of first and second turbines (one hatch open)and (the other hatch closed) for receiving reversing tidal flow in atidal estuary. Turbines shown in FIGS. 14F(1) and 14F(2) may be verticalaxis wind turbines (VAWT). We now turn to a discussion of wind turbinesusing similar components as are used in marine hydrokinetic turbines.

FIG. 15A shows a side view of a horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT)swivel-mounted to a central axis of the wind turbine having a wind vaneor tail at one end and the propeller/rotor blades at the left or frontend so that the wind may change direction and the facing of the windturbine into the wind consistently turns a propeller/rotor blades (notshown). FIG. 15A shows the components shown in FIG. 15B (magneticgearbox), mechanical rotary frequency converter (FIG. 15C(1) or 15C(2));and VT&PG (FIG. 15D). FIG. 15B shows a section view of a magnetic gearof a magnetic gearbox connected to a propeller for handling strong gustsof winds without breaking the magnetic gears of the gearbox. A variableto constant speed converter of the Goldfinch or Hummingbird variety arerepresented by FIG. 15C(1) or 15C(2) (simplified Hummingbird). Theprinciples of application of a VT&PG for constant speed control arerepresented by FIG. 15D. The result of combining these components is areliable, scalable and more efficient wind turbine than those known inthe prior art and produces more electricity with greater reliabilitythan the prior art over a greater range of cut-in speed and cut-out windspeed. The magnetic gearbox, if used, may intentionally slip, but themagnetic gears of the magnetic gearbox catch again when a gust of windor great flow of water decreases back to a more typical speed andpredetermined level of torque (certainly preferable to having mechanicalgears lose their teeth). Now, components of an example of a VerticalAxis Wind Turbine (VAWT) will be described with reference to FIGS. 16and 17.

One MHK turbine design with a vane has the advantage of a vertical axis(FIG. 16A(2)) which can move components to match the flow of water. Thisis not to say that one MHK will not enjoy the principles of the presentinvention and this MHK with a vane is used by way of example. Componentsof the present invention comprise, per FIG. 16C, a magnetic gear of amagnetic gearbox that may be much more reliable for connecting awaterwheel to other components of the turbine. The magnetic gearprotects the turbine from strong currents of water (gusts of wind) thatcan develop in an instant or otherwise overwhelm and break a mechanicalgearbox intended to transfer propeller/waterwheel energy to a shaft fordriving a generator via, typically, an electronic speed converter whichis also prone to failure. Next are shown a Goldfinch FIG. 16B(1)mechanical variable to constant speed converter and a simplifiedHummingbird FIG. 16B(2) variable to constant speed converter forconverting variable water/wind speed to constant speed. As will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 16D and FIG. 17, a variable torque andpower generator (VT&PG) may operate at low cut-in wind or water flowspeeds so that a propeller (or rotor) may turn with a low cut-inwind/water speed and generate electric energy and may also operate athigh wind/water speeds in a mode when the rotor and stator overlap anddevelop high torque for operation at high wind/water speeds. Thus, bysimply checking/sensing the wind/water speed, the VT&PG may becontrolled to operate at low cut-in speeds and/or operate at a higherand maximum cut-out speed as seen in FIG. 17 showing two wind/waterspeeds, cut-in and cut-out.

FIG. 17 shows more wind energy harnessed with Variable Torque and PowerGenerator (VT&PG). For harnessing renewable energy, there are twospecific functions: converting variable input to constant electricitywith a Hummingbird and harnessing more electricity with a VT&PG.Harnessing more electricity with a VT&PG is shown in FIGS. 13B and 13C.When the wind speed is slow or low, by minimizing the overlap as shownin FIG. 13B, the torque will be lowered and so the cut-in speed can belowered and harness more of low speed wind energy. When the wind speedincreases, for example, beyond the rated speed for a turbine with amaximum rotor/stator overlap or a FT&PG as shown in FIG. 13C, the powerrating will be increased beyond the rating of a small FT&PG 1300 and theVT&PG 1361 will harness much more electricity. The increased amount ofharnessed electricity, as shown a strip on the right side of theharnessed energy, is significantly more than a turbine with a fixedtorque and power generator (FT&PG 1300). We now turn again to MHKturbines in FIG. 18, a layout of Sample #3. The same principle may beapplied to MHK turbines and harness more energy.

Referring to FIG. 18, FIG. 18 provides a cut-away view of a harnessingmodule 1810 comprising a waterwheel and hatch (the waterwheel having aninput shaft 302 and a C&G module 1820 comprising a rotary frequencyconverter 1830 and VT&PG 1850 for control of variable speed input via aHummingbird including a constant speed motor (control motor 1840, whichmay be AC or DC) to control a frequency and develop variable currentelectric generator output at constant frequency and voltage (butvariable current or power as per, for example, FIG. 17) via aHummingbird rotary frequency converter.

Applications of a Hummingbird mechanical (rotary) frequency converterinclude converting variable input to constant output (VICO) forharnessing renewable energy: variable input, variable output (VIVO) forautomotive transmissions; constant input, variable output (CIVO) for anelectric vehicle transmission with a constant speed motor: and constantinput, constant output (CICO) for ratio changes for a constant speedinput. VICO may be used for harnessing renewable energy or as afrequency converter with a rotary (rotational velocity) input. VIVO maybe used in transmissions and for an infinitely variable transmission(IVT). CIVO may be used in an IVT with a constant speed motor input.CIVO may be used as a ratio changer where the constant input and outputsare ratios of one another.

FIGS. 19-22 provide various options for powering the constant speedcontrol motor 1840 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 19 shows a grid power option 1900: using the electric grid power1920 for powering the constant speed AC motor 1930 used in a Hummingbirdmechanical frequency converter. FIG. 19 suggests using grid power 1920from a grid if available. The power consumed by the constant speedcontrol motor 1930 should be less than the power generated. In Sample#3, the rated power of the generator is about ten times larger than thepower used by the constant speed control motor 1930 so a maximum ratioof generated power of VT&PG 1945 versus motor power needs to be defined.FIGS. 20-22 suggest various options when grid power is not available. Wedo not use grid power but rather use an auxiliary system due toun-available grid power, for example, to power a remote village withouta grid connection.

FIG. 20 shows an option #1 2000 for an electric grid-less situation andsuggests using generated output power from the MHK or wind turbine andavoiding use of grid power. Shaft 302 couples input 1915 to output 1940via control input 1935. When the control input 2050 is zero, the output1940 also will be zero. This system is braking carriers 2010 and 2020until the generated power of power supply 2030 reaches the requiredconstant frequency and voltage.

FIG. 21 is similar but shows an automatic control. Input shaft 302 isextended and gear 2120 is attached as an additional gear. Input gear2120 rotates Sprag gear 2125 (cross-hatched) imbedded with Sprag 2126(cross-hatching similar to input 302) through direction change gear 2121and Sprag 2126 rotates race 2130 (similar cross-hatching to Sprag 2125)that is an integral part of output shaft 2135 to VT&PG 1945. When theVT&PG generator 1945 provides a required voltage to power supply 2030,control AC motor 2050 will be powered. When the control motor 2050 ispowered, the output controlled by the control input or Sprag gear 2115may rotate faster than the Sprag gear 2125 and the input through inputgear 2120 will be by-passed. While the control motor 2050 is notpowered, the output gear 2110 will not be rotating, but the Sprag 2116allows the Sprag gear 2115 to free wheel. The direction control gear2121 make both Sprag gears 2115 and 2125 rotate in the same direction.

A CPU may be used for an automatic operation of powering the MHK or windturbine control motor 2050 when grid power is not available. Whencontrol motor 2050 is powered, control motor input 1935 producesrequired output to VT&PG 1945 through output gear 2110, Sprag gear 2115,Sprag 2116, race 2130, and output shaft 2135.

FIGS. 21 and 22 describes option #2 2100 and #3 2200 for an electricgrid-less situation and suggests powering the control motor 2050, 2250using auxiliary power. For example, FIG. 22 using an alternator or DCgenerator 2220 for charging a battery 2240 controlled by a chargecontroller 2230 and a DC motor 2250 is connected between the chargecontroller 2230 and the battery 2240 as is used for a battery chargingstation. A dummy load may be added (not shown) as necessary. Then, theoutput power will reach the rated power and the control motor 2250powered. FIG. 21 on the other hand uses Sprags, carriers and an AC motor2050 and the CPU must decide the state of the Sprags and carriers. Anelectronic circuit may be used to maintain a minimum power range forcontrol motor operation. A separate waterwheel/rotor blade may be usedfor auxiliary system operation. Power used by the control motor (AC orDC 2050, 2250) may then be independent of the power generated by themain electricity generator (VT&PG 1945). A power supply may be needed ora variable speed generator or alternator may be used alternatively (aswould be known in the art) to develop power for the respective controlmotor 2050, 2250.

FIG. 22 describes option #3 2200 for grid-less situation and suggestspowering without using grid power, for example, using an alternator or aDC generator 2220 to charge controller 2230 for battery 2240 to power DCmotor 2250. When the system is installed initially, the input 1915starts generating DC and battery 2240 will be charged. While the batteryis being charged, DC motor 2250 will not rotate and, therefore, controlinput 1935, output gear 1940, and VT&PG 1945 will not rotate. When thebattery is fully charged, DC motor 2250 will be powered and startsrotating at a designed constant speed and VT&PG 1945 will generate gridcompatible constant frequency electricity. A CPU may be used for anautomatic operation of powering the MHK or wind turbine control motor2250 when grid power is not available. When control motor 2250 ispowered, control motor input 1935 produces required output to VT&PG1945. AC power supply was used in FIGS. 20 and 21, and DC power was usedin FIG. 22 but either system can be used as required.

The principles of application of the several discussed embodiments of astructure and method of constructing same for, for example, providing agreen energy alternative to the burning of fuel such as coal, oil orother less environmentally friendly energy sources have beendemonstrated above using a spur/helical gear assembly of sun gears andplanetary gears and a VT&PG control assembly, for example, in a wind orMHK turbine electric power generator. The present embodiments used inconjunction with known flow energy turbine systems may be enhanced byusing many known control systems for improved operation such as pitchand yaw control in wind turbines, control responsive to power gridstatistics and requirements and remote or automatic control responsiveto predicted and actual weather conditions (wind velocity from ananemometer, water flow velocity from a water flow velocity meter,barometric reading and direction (rising or falling) and the like). Athree variable to constant speed converter may be of the Goldfinch orHummingbird type and include a constant speed motor for controlling theoutput speed at a constant along with use of a variable power generatorin these embodiments. These and other features of embodiments andaspects of a variable flow input, constant output system and method maycome to mind from reading the above detailed description, and anyclaimed invention should be only deemed limited by the scope of theclaims to follow. Moreover, the Abstract should not be consideredlimiting. Any patent applications, issued patents and citations topublished articles mentioned herein should be considered incorporated byreference herein in their entirety.

What I claim is:
 1. A control assembly for controlling variablerotational speed input such that an output of the control assemblyprovides a more constant speed output than the variable rotational speedinput, the control assembly comprising: an input shaft from an energyharnessing module, the input shaft for receiving a variable rotationalspeed input from the energy harnessing module, the input shaft having acentral sun gear meshing with a planetary gear having a width greaterthan that of the input shaft sun gear, a carrier assembly including theplanetary gear and first and second opposite planetary gears, a firstsun gear/sleeve/sun gear extension disc surrounding the input shaft atone end and a second sun gear/sleeve/sun gear extension disc surroundingthe input shaft at the other end, the first and second sungear/sleeve/sun gear extension disc meshing with the first and secondplanetary gears of the carrier assembly, one of the first and second sungear/sleeve/sun gear extension discs receiving a constant rotationalspeed control input and the other of the first and second sungear/sleeve/sun gear extension discs providing a constant rotationalspeed output.
 2. The control assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein abrushless and commutator-less direct current generator provides a directcurrent for powering a direct current constant speed motor for providingthe constant rotational speed input.
 3. The control assembly as recitedin claim 1 wherein a variable overlap generator having a rotor axiallymoveable with respect to the stator for providing a constant frequencyalternating power output via the from the output other of the first andsecond sun gear/sleeve/sun gear extension discs.
 4. The control assemblyas recited in claim 1 wherein the harnessing module comprises apropeller for capturing wind renewable energy.
 5. The control assemblyas recited in claim 1 wherein the harnessing module comprises one of awheel and a propeller for capturing water renewable energy.
 6. Thecontrol assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein the harnessing modulecomprises a disc comprising a plurality of north polarity magnetssurrounding a south polarity coil and the disc provided with a wing suchthat the disc and wing may move up and down and around the coil tocapture ocean wave renewable energy.
 7. A control assembly forcontrolling variable rotational speed input such that an output of thecontrol assembly provides a more constant speed output than its variablerotational speed input, the control assembly comprising: an input shaftfrom an energy harnessing module, the input shaft for receiving avariable rotational speed input from the energy harnessing module, theinput shaft having a first sun gear of a first spur/helical gearassembly meshing with a planetary gear having a width greater than thatof the input shaft sun gear and a second sun gear of a secondspur/helical gear assembly, first and second carrier assemblies of thefirst and second spur/helical gear assemblies including the first andsecond planetary gears and third and fourth opposite planetary gears, asun gear/sleeve/sun gear extension disc of each of the first and secondspur/helical gear assemblies surrounding the input shaft, the first andsecond sun gear/sleeve/sun gear extension disc meshing with the firstand second planetary gears of the carrier assembly of the respectivespur/helical gear assembly surrounding the input shaft, one of the firstand second sun gear/sleeve/sun gear extension discs receiving a constantrotational speed control input and the other of the first and second sungear/sleeve/sun gear extension discs providing a constant rotationalspeed output.
 8. The control assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein abrushless and commutator-less direct current generator provides a directcurrent for powering a direct current constant speed motor for providingthe constant rotational speed control input.
 9. The control assembly asrecited in claim 7 wherein a variable overlap generator having a rotoraxially moveable with respect to the stator for providing a constantfrequency alternating power output via the output of the other of thefirst and second sun gear/sleeve/sun gear extension discs.
 10. Thecontrol assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein the harnessing modulecomprises a propeller for capturing wind renewable energy.
 11. Thecontrol assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein the harnessing modulecomprises one of a wheel and a propeller for capturing water renewableenergy.
 12. The control assembly as recited in claim 1 for use incontrolling rotational speed of one of a wheel of a vehicle and apropeller of a boat wherein the vehicle or boat are powered by aninternal combustion engine.
 13. The control assembly as recited in claim1 wherein the control assembly provides a rotational speed output to ashaft of one of a pump and a compressor.
 14. The control assembly asrecited in claim 1 wherein a gearbox comprising magnetic gears connectsthe harnessing module to the control assembly.
 15. The control assemblyas recited in claim 7 wherein a variable overlap generator having arotor axially moveable with respect to the stator for providing aconstant frequency alternating power output via the from the outputother of the first and second sun gear/sleeve/sun gear extension discs.16. The control assembly as recited in claim 1 having first and seconddirect current generators connected in parallel for provided a multipleof the direct current power to a constant rotational speed controlmotor.
 17. The control assembly of claim 3 wherein rated power of theconstant rotational speed motor is approximately one tenth of the powergenerated by the variable overlap generator.
 18. The control assembly ofclaim 1 adapted for use in one of a pump and a compressor.
 19. Thecontrol assembly of claim I adapted for use in a vehicular transmission,the control assembly being connected to a speed/torque controller forreceiving inputs of engine speed and vehicular speed, the vehicularspeed being measured in revolutions per minute of one of a driven wheeland a driven propeller.
 20. A rotary frequency converter comprising adirect current motor turning a rotor of a variable overlap generator,the direct current motor receiving direct current power from abrushless, commutator-less direct current generator, a charge controllerand a battery for maintain a constant direct current power input to thedirect current motor of the rotary frequency generator.